Eagles Release Jenkins, Patterson
UPDATE (4:42): It's a bad day to be an Eagles defensive tackle.
After releasing Cullen Jenkins earlier today, the team also announced they are parting ways with Mike Patterson.
Patterson refused to take a pay cut last season and with the team reportedly set to switch to a 3-4 base defense, the move doesn't come as a surprise.
Patterson was the longest tenured player on the roster, but after suffering a seizure in training camp and subsequent brain surgery afterwards, the Eagles have decided to go in another, more youthful direction.
From Earlier:
The changes have begin to come for the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to tweets from Adam Schefter, the Eagles have released DT Cullen Jenkins.
The move was later confirmed by the team.
Jenkins was reportedly due to make $5.5M this season and according to Geoff Mosher of CSN Philly, Jenkins will receive his $1.5M roster bonus which was part of his 2012 contract restructure.
Jenkins started every game at DT in his two-year tenure with the Eagles registering 9.5 sacks.
In a statement released by the team, general manager Howie Roseman said:
| “It’s one of the most difficult parts of the job. He has been a very productive player in this league for a long time but we felt it in our team’s best interests that we go in a different direction. By releasing him at this point, it gives he and his agent more time to sign on with another team. We wish Cullen and his family all the best as he continues his NFL career.” |
The move was expected by some NFL people with the emergence of DT Fletcher Cox. The Eagles are confident that Cox can repeat the stellar rookie season he had a year ago.
--Pete Giordano
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